Chapter 20: Lymphatic System

The thymus gland is the correct answer because it is the structure that is primarily responsible for the processing and maturation of T lymphocytes. The thymus gland is located in the upper chest and plays a crucial role in the immune system by producing and maturing T cells, which are important for immune defense against pathogens and foreign substances in the body. The medulla oblongata is a part of the brainstem, the coronary sinus is a blood vessel, and the pericardium is a protective sac around the heart, none of which are directly involved in the processing and maturation of T lymphocytes.

The correct answer is lymphoid organs. The spleen, thymus gland, tonsils, and lymph nodes are all part of the lymphatic system and are considered lymphoid organs. These organs play a crucial role in the immune system, producing and storing white blood cells (lymphocytes) that help fight off infections and diseases. They also help filter and remove toxins, waste products, and foreign substances from the body.

Tonsillectomy refers to the surgical removal of the palatine tonsils. This procedure is commonly performed to treat chronic or recurrent tonsillitis, sleep-disordered breathing, or other complications related to the tonsils. It involves the complete removal of the tonsils, usually under general anesthesia, to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health.

The correct answer is "are located in the groin." The inguinal lymph nodes are a group of lymph nodes that are located in the groin area. They play a crucial role in filtering lymph fluid and helping to fight off infections in the lower extremities, genitals, and pelvic region.

Tonsils are described as partially encapsulated lymph nodes located in the throat area. They play a crucial role in the immune system by filtering out harmful bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the nose and mouth. Tonsils contain lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help fight off infections. They can become inflamed and infected, leading to conditions such as tonsillitis. In severe cases, surgical removal of the tonsils may be necessary.

The lymph nodes that drain the head and neck region are called cervical lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are located in the neck and play a crucial role in filtering and trapping harmful substances, such as bacteria or cancer cells, before they can reach other parts of the body. The cervical lymph nodes are an important part of the immune system's defense mechanism in the head and neck region.

Thymosin is a hormone that is secreted by all lymph nodes. It plays various roles in the immune system, including the development and maturation of T cells, which are important for immune responses. Thymosin also helps regulate the production of antibodies and the function of other immune cells. Therefore, it is correct to say that thymosin is a hormone.

The spleen is responsible for removing worn-out blood cells from circulation. It acts as a filter, identifying and removing old or damaged red blood cells from the bloodstream. This process helps to maintain the overall health and functionality of the blood. The spleen also plays a role in immune function by producing and storing white blood cells, but it does not secrete splenic hormones that control the entire lymphoid system. Additionally, the spleen is not avascular, as it receives blood supply from the splenic artery and vein.

During a mastectomy, the lymphoid structures that are generally removed are the axillary lymph nodes. The axillary lymph nodes are located in the armpit area and are commonly removed during mastectomy surgery to check for the spread of cancer cells. This procedure helps to determine the stage and extent of the cancer and helps in planning further treatment options. The spleen, liver, and adenoids are not typically removed during a mastectomy.

Infectious mononucleosis is caused by a viral infection, specifically the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is commonly referred to as the "kissing disease" because it is primarily spread through saliva, often through kissing. This viral infection affects the lymph nodes, causing them to become swollen and painful. Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis also include fatigue, sore throat, fever, and enlarged spleen. Hodgkin's disease is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, while elephantiasis is a condition caused by parasitic infection and results in severe swelling of body parts. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction.

Lymph from the right arm and the right side of the head and thorax drain into the right lymphatic duct. The right lymphatic duct is responsible for collecting lymphatic fluid from the upper right side of the body and returning it to the bloodstream. This duct then drains into the right subclavian vein, which eventually leads to the superior vena cava and then the right atrium of the heart.

The right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct are major lymphatic vessels that drain lymph from different parts of the body. They both empty into the subclavian veins, which are located near the collarbone. This is where the lymph is returned to the bloodstream, allowing it to circulate throughout the body. The subclavian veins are a crucial part of the lymphatic system's role in maintaining fluid balance and immune function.

The subclavian vein receives lymph from the large lymphatic ducts. Lymph is a clear fluid that contains white blood cells and other waste products. The lymphatic ducts collect lymph from various parts of the body and drain it into the subclavian vein, which then carries the lymph back into the bloodstream. This allows the lymph to be filtered and processed by the lymph nodes before being returned to circulation.

The thymus gland is a lymphoid organ located in the ventral cavity, thoracic cavity, and mediastinum. It plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of T-cells, which are important for immune function. The thymus gland is largest in children and gradually decreases in size as we age. It is responsible for educating T-cells and ensuring they can recognize and respond to foreign antigens while avoiding attacking the body's own cells.

If the lymphatic vessels and nodes are removed from the right axillary region, the lymphatic drainage from the right arm will be impaired. Lymphatic vessels are responsible for draining excess fluid from tissues, and without them, fluid will accumulate in the arm, causing edema. This is because the lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance in the body. The other options are not correct because the lymphatic system is not directly involved in the oxygen supply to the arm or in causing anginal pain.

Lymph is a clear fluid that originates from the interstitial spaces, which are the spaces between the cells in the body's tissues. It is formed when plasma, the liquid component of blood, filters out of the capillaries and into the interstitial spaces. This fluid then collects waste products, pathogens, and other substances, and is eventually drained into the lymphatic vessels. From there, it is transported to the lymph nodes, spleen, and other lymphoid tissues for filtration and immune system activation.

The structures described in the question are located near the opening of the nasal cavity in the upper throat. These structures are also known as the adenoids. The correct answer, pharyngeal tonsils, refers to the lymphoid tissue located in the pharynx, specifically in the area behind the nose and above the soft palate. These tonsils play a role in the immune system by helping to fight off infections in the upper respiratory tract.

When proteins accumulate in the interstitial space, they have the ability to "hold water" due to their hydrophilic nature. This means that they can attract and retain water molecules, leading to an increased fluid volume in the tissue space. This excess fluid accumulation is known as edema. Therefore, the correct answer is that proteins, when allowed to accumulate in the interstitial space, will "hold water" and cause edema.

A hyperactive spleen is most likely to cause a platelet deficiency. The spleen plays a role in filtering the blood and removing old or damaged platelets. When the spleen is hyperactive, it may remove platelets from the blood at a faster rate than they can be produced, leading to a deficiency in platelets. This can result in a condition called thrombocytopenia, which is characterized by a low platelet count.